Many cat owners have experienced the feeling of being woken in the middle night to let their pets out but only to change their mind and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can solve this issue.
It operates by scanning the microchip of your cat's microchip, allowing only authorized cats to enter and deny access to others. A cat flap has a variety of benefits, such as:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps keep your cat secure and safe by permitting it to come and go whenever they please. If they prefer stay inside, they are able to do so at night. This will reduce the chances of them being attacked by other cats or feral cats that may be out hunting late in the night. These animals could carry deadly diseases that your cat might catch if they are not kept in the dark.
Cats are able to enter and exit via standard cat flaps. This can be a problem for pet owners who don't want their neighbours cat to bother their pets, mark their house as their territory, eat their food, or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by reading your cat's unique microchip and unlocking only for that, so your cat is the only cat to access the door and exit.
A microchip cat flap may even provide peace of mind even when you're not home for instance, when you are going out for dinner or on holiday. It links to a hub and an app that monitors your pet's movements into and out of the home and enables you to control when they are allowed out and in via a smart curfew feature that you set. You can also share your app access with family members and friends to ensure that they monitor your pets while you're away.
A microchip cat's flap that is fitted with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add a further layer of security by allowing only your cat to use the flap only when their collar is within a certain distance of it. It is essential to spend time educating your cat to use the flap especially if they're not used to it - start by opening the flap so that they can see and sniff around. Encourage them to poke their head through the hole by handing out a treat or favorite toy on either side of the flap and give them praise and rewards each time they do so. When they feel confident then you can gradually close the flap.
Safety
There are many cat flaps on the market and many of them come with different features. You should select one that is the right size for your pet's needs so it can be able to enter and out easily. Look for a durable material that is able to withstand the elements of rain, paws and claws.
Some cat flaps are lockable in various ways to protect your home from burglars out. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock, or you can choose microchip cat doors that allow registered cats to enter the house. The cat flaps are easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
A key advantage of microchip cat flaps is that they enable you to track your pet's movements around the house even when you're away from home. Certain models are equipped with smart technology that allows you to track your pets' movements when you walk through the door or window using an app that you can download on your phone.
This is helpful when you're worried that your cat could wander too far away from their home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can remotely open the cat flap and monitor your pet's health via the app.
You can also select the four-way manual locking system that gives you greater control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is particularly helpful when you have a naive cat or a cat with a long history that might struggle with a traditional flap. This method can be used to prevent your pets from coming in when they are sick or if it's raining outside.
Other pet owners choose flaps that read the microchip of their pet and only allow entry if the microchip is registered, blocking other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other flaps for cats, but they are an effective way to keep your neighbour's cats from getting into your home.
Convenience
Access to the world outside can help keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that occur in the home. Cats are also attracted by the smell of certain plants such as cat thyme, catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to entice them to go through it even when they are still uneasy.
It's simple to teach your cat how to utilize the small hinged flap that can be fixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap and encourage them to go through using their favorite food. It's not easy to master the process the first time, but when they've mastered it, they should take up the habit.
A magnetic cat flap could also be used. It detects the microchip of your pet and allows it access to. These are more expensive, however, they function by using the magnet placed on the neck of your pet to unlock the flap. They can be a great solution for multi-cat households and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with different locking options that allow you to choose to lock it open or closed, and even exit or entrance only. These are great for those who need to regulate the frequency at which your cat goes and comes particularly at night or if you're not home. They are useful in situations where you're away from home for a long period of time and want to be sure that your cat is secure.
You can also opt for a smart cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's access and exit without difficulty. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps, but they're more secure for your pet and offer more peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps are equipped with video monitoring, and are accessible from any location that has an internet connection.
Training
It can take some time for a cat to become accustomed to going outside by itself in the event that they've not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new environment quickly. Certain cats need to be gently encouraged and given time to learn to open the flap with their paws or heads. Watching your cat from both the inside and outside will help you decide on the best training methods to employ. Remember that every cat is different.
Rather than trying to push your cat through the flap, you should instead attempt to encourage them using treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to see the other side) and then place treats on the other side. Call them through the flap, making sure your voice is calm and positive to help make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn to use the flap as they will realize the way it gets them closer to the reward on the other end.
When your cat starts to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them roam around the outside and enjoy their newfound freedom. It is important to watch your cat and ensure they are secure in the outdoors since certain cats are susceptible to the elements and other animals such as cats in the area.
If you're unsure whether your cat can cope with the outdoors it is possible to put them in a cage at night or leave the flap open to ensure they have access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders and toys. This allows you to ensure that they get all the exercise and stimulation they require. It also gives them a way to escape any stressful situations in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. Repair My Windows And Doors UK 'll also feel comfortable knowing they'll be able to return home should they wish to.